The National Weather Service calls for mostly sunny skies today with a high near 57. Northeast wind 8 to 15 mph.Saturday Night: Rain likely, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. East wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday: Rain. High near 52. Northeast wind 11 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.Sunday Night: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 42. Northeast wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday: A chance of showers before 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.

Wednesday: A chance of showers after 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Several calls came into LPD about the suspected gunfire shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday morning. Police reportedly found rounds inside a Van Buren Street home, having penetrated through the residents' window. There were no reported injuries.

Lockport Police Department in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration will host a Prescription Drug Drop Off from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday in the Municipal Building parking lot on the Big Bridge on Main Street.

The purpose of this event is to give residents an opportunity to safely dispose of unneeded medications, no questions are asked.

Residents are encouraged to stay in their car and drop off the medications at the Lockport Police Command Post.

RANSOMVILLE -- Current and past Lions Club members from across Western New York are invited to participate in Lions Know at the Races at the Ransomville Speedway Aug. 5.

The Barker Lions have reserved three suites for the evening. For $25/person, Lions and their guests will have access to the suites, dinner, drinks and snacks. Reservations are due by June 1. After
June 1, tickets go up to $30/person.

If the suites are filled, general admission tickets will be available for $18/person; $10 for 12 and under. Again, those prices are good until June 1. To make reservations, call 628-2557. Checks should be made out to the Barker Lions Club. All reservations must be prepaid.

Founded in 1917, Lions Club was designed by Melvin Jones to be a service club. In 1925, Helen Keller asked the group to be her “Knights of the Blind.” Aiding those with sight and hearing challenges became the mission.

Lockport Police charged a 20-year-old male Wednesday with third-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal mischief after the man allegedly assaulted people with a TASER at a Cottage Street address.

According to LPD, officers responded to the Cottage Street address at 4:35 a.m. for a report of males attempting to "TASE" people. While en route, they were informed that the suspects -- Russel J. Roberts, no permanent address, and another male -- had fled on foot.

Police were told that Roberts and the other man asked to speak to a female resident of the home, but were told they couldn't speak to her. An argument ensued, resulting in a male guest at the home being shot in the face with a TASER, as well as a male resident of the home being shot in the forehead with a TASER.

No charges had been filed against the second male as of the publishing of this report.

BUFFALO -- The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team has signed forward Johan Larsson to a one-year contract.

Larsson (5’11”, 200 lbs., 7/25/1992) set career-high marks in games played (74), goals (10) and points (17) in his first full NHL season in 2015-16. Five of his 10 goals were game-winners, tying Jack Eichel for the Sabres’ team lead. Larsson also ranked second among the team’s regular faceoff men with a career-best faceoff percentage of 51.1 percent.

The Lau, Sweden native has recorded 37 points (16+21) and 58 penalty minutes in 142 games with the Sabres since being acquired from the Minnesota Wild on April 3, 2013.

A pair of Lockport men were charged last week with second-degree burglary by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Moziah Townsend

According to NYSP, Kahlil D. James, 18, and Moziah L. Townsend, 20, were arrested for a burglary that occurred on Robinson Road in the Town of Lockport on April 11. Both defendants entered an apartment by breaking down a door in an attempt to steal marijuana within the apartment. The defendants removed plastic bags from within the apartment but no marijuana was inside the apartment.

James was arraigned at the Town of Lockport Court on April 20, and released on his own recognizance. He was to re-appear Thursday to answer to the charges. Townsend was arraigned on April 21, 2016 at the Town of Lockport Court and remanded to Niagara County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

ENP STAFF REPORTS news@eastniagarapost.com
The Lockport Family YMCA will hold a free community event Saturday to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active -- the 25 th annual YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day.

The YMCA's Healthy Kids Day will be held Saturday. (CONTRIBUTED)

The day-long event features activities such as games, fitness screenings, demonstrations, arts and crafts to motivate and teach families how to develop healthy routines at home.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at over 1,300 Ys across the country by over 1.2 million participants, works to get more kids moving and learning, creating habits that they continue all summer long, which is a critical time for kids’ health.

When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that without access to out-of- school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. As spring turns to summer, Healthy Kids Day is a powerful reminder not to let children idle away their summer days. Instead, the Y hopes to focus on wowing them with their potential and make this their best summer ever by staying active and learning.

“The Y believes in the potential of all children, and we strive to help kids find the 'wow' factor inside themselves. A child’s development is never on vacation and Healthy Kids Day is a great opportunity to educate families and motivate kids to stay active in spirit, mind and body throughout the summer,” said Laurie Ferris, Youth Director of the Lockport Family YMCA.

Lobby Games – share family time by playing lobby games like pool, foosball and ping-pong

1 - 4 p.m.

Family Open Swim – enjoy free time for the whole family in the Y pool

Family Open Gym – spend some quality family time shooting hoops

Those that join the Y on Saturday will have their joiner fee waived -- a $25 - $75 savings. There will also be raffles, giveaways, prizes, family fun and more! For more information, contact the Y at 434-
8887 or visit www.LockportYMCA.com.

Makai graduated from NCCC in May of 2015 and obtained her NYS license as a Registered Professional Nurse on June 30, 2015. She started her career at Niagara Hospice July 28 as a staff nurse at Hospice at Jeanne’s House – a Northgate and Niagara Hospice Collaboration.

“At 41 years old I decided to pursue an education and career in nursing as an adult learner,” said Makai. “I decided later in life that I wanted a profession that was more meaningful. I wanted to be that nurse that made a difference in the lives of others.” Her journey in preparing for the CHPN exam began last November when she became a member of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA). In preparation for the exam, she used the Study Guide for the Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse Fourth Edition and the Core Curriculum for the Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse Fourth Edition from the HPNA website, focusing on pain and symptom management, and cancer.

The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) affirms that hospice and palliative nursing practice is the provision of nursing care for the patient and family, with emphasis on their physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs when experiencing a life-limiting illness and through bereavement. This is accomplished in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team in a setting which provides pain and symptom management, family support and 24-hour nursing availability.

Niagara Hospice Vice President of Hospice Services, Joann Stoll, RN, CHPN said: “We are very proud of Holly for taking this important step as a certified hospice and palliative care provider. Certification validates an individual’s competence and knowledge in the specialized area of hospice and palliative care. It is highly valued and provides formal recognition of having achieved a standard of knowledge in the specialty of hospice and palliative care.”

Born October 21, 1949 to Martha and the late Joseph Enzinna she was a lifelong resident of Lockport. She worked for Harrison Radiator and was a beautician for several years. Susan will be reminded by the love and care she gave to others.

Along with her mother she is survived by her son Joe(Jamie Amacher)Ferchen, Siblings Ronald Enzinna, Joe(Sue)Salmeri, Frank Salmeri and Tina Enzinna.

A visitation will be held Sunday May 1 at Ross Funeral Home Gaul Chapel 263 East Avenue Lockport from 2-6pm. Funeral service will be Monday May 2 at 10am at the funeral home.

The National Weather Service calls fora chance of showers today, mainly between 2 and 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Northeast wind 9 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.Friday Night: Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Calm wind.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Light east wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.Saturday Night: A slight chance of rain after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.Sunday Night: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.Tuesday Night: A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 40%.Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

ENP STAFF REPORTS news@eastniagarapost.com
WHEATFIELD -- The makers of Original Pizza Logs have will break ground on its new Wheatfield facility at 10 a.m. Tuesday, marking the latest chapter in the story of a company that started making its products by hand in the back of a Niagara Falls convenience store more than a quarter-century ago.

Jason Cordova, the owner of Finger Food Products, Inc., the maker of Original Pizza Logs, and an assortment of county, town and city leaders will be on-hand at a groundbreaking ceremony where Cordova’s flagship product is set to take center stage -- with samples sure to be on-hand.

“We’re pleased with our company’s growth profile since we began partnering with the Niagara County Center for Economic Development,” Cordova said. He noted that, prior to acquiring the site where the Original Pizza Logs manufacturing facility is set to be built, he utilized “business incubator” space at the Vantage Point building.

The chairwoman of the Niagara County Legislature’s Economic Development Committee, Legislator Kathryn Lance, R-Wheatfield, said county officials were pleased to be retaining a popular brand associated with Western New York in the county.

“People know that Original Pizza Logs grew up here, in Niagara County, in the same way they associate chicken wings with Buffalo,” Lance said. “We were able to provide an environment that fostered private capital investment and job creation, and we are glad that Original Pizza Logs will continue to be a Niagara County brand.”

ENP STAFF REPORTSnews@eastniagarapost.com
The Erie Canal opened for travel on Wednesday. A new stretch of bike path along the canal in Lockport and Pendleton officially opened a day earlier.

Officials cut the ribbon, officially opening the new four-mile stretch.

The 192nd season of navigation along New York's Canals April 27 opening is the earliest the waterway has opened in more than 30 years thanks to a mild winter which allowed staff to complete maintenance projects, and opening preparations, ahead of schedule. The Canal system includes the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals in upstate New York.

"New York's Canal system is an engineering marvel of epic proportions and its construction demonstrated the sort of vision, determination and boldness that define us as New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said. "Nearly two centuries after its completion, the Canal system continues to be an important tourist destination, while also playing a vital role supporting industries throughout Upstate New York."

The Erie Canal represents one of the most significant engineering achievements in New York’s history and along with its adjoining canals, it continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the state’s economy. According to a 2014 report, the system generates nearly $380 million in tourism spending annually across upstate New York, and more than $6.2 billion from non-tourism uses such as agricultural irrigation, commercial shipping, and renewable power generated at 27 hydroelectric facilities located along the Canal. The report also determined that the Canals support 26,472 jobs, $1.6 billion in personal income, and $702 million in tax revenue, both directly and indirectly.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, "Each year, our iconic Canal system draws scores of visitors from all over the world to travel along America's most storied manmade waterway and to enjoy walking, biking, and fishing along its banks. It is a historical marvel that has consistently fueled New York's economy through recreation and tourism, and I look forward to seeing what this year's Canal navigation season adds to that already-rich history."

The Canal navigation season is scheduled to end on Nov. 20, weather permitting.

For those who want to travel along the canal but not necessarily on it, there's a newly constructed section of the Erie Canalway Trail between the city of Lockport and the town of Pendleton. The opening marks the completion of a $5.4 million project to construct four new miles of 10-foot wide asphalt trail between Stevens Street in Lockport and Fisk Road in Pendleton, as well as additional work in the town of Amherst. The 365-mile trail that stretches from Lake Erie to the Hudson River is now more than 75 percent complete.

In addition to the four miles of new trail, a pedestrian bridge was built over Donner Creek in Lockport near Fisk Feigle Road and an on-street path was added from Stevens Street to Erie Canal Locks 34 and 35. Informational kiosks have been installed on the trail to guide visitors, and parking and trail access is now available on State Street.

At Tuesday's grand opening and ribbon cutting, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said, "The completion of this part of the Canalway Trail will help these communities thrive. It is imperative that we continue to preserve the land and trails surrounding the Canal so it can be enjoyed by future generations."

The Canalway Trail's popularity among New Yorkers and visitors alike has made it an economic engine for communities throughout upstate New York. Each year, approximately 1.5 million people use the Erie Canalway Trail, resulting in an estimated $253 million in economic activity from visitor spending statewide. The Buffalo-Pendleton segment is the most heavily used part of the Canalway Trail with approximately 350,000 annual users.

State Sen. Rob Ortt said, "Shortly after its completion in the City of Lockport a couple of months ago, I’ve seen dozens of people taking advantage of the Canalway Trail, whether they’re walking or biking. The trail offers scenic views along the Erie Canal, and has the potential to attract more tourists to the area with the help of the Flight of Five locks and the Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride virtually down the street. I have no doubt this project will have a positive economic impact that’ll also bring a sense of resurgence to the city."

Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey said the bike path

makes Lockport more accessible.

Town of Lockport Supervisor Mark Crocker called the project "a great example of State and local government working together to finish a project that will enhance the lives of people for many generations to come." He said he expects people to use the path hundreds of years from now.

Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey said, "The expansion of the Canalway Trail from Lockport to Pendleton is exciting for our residents as well as visitors who come to enjoy the Erie Canal, Bicyclists and runners will have the opportunity to take in the Erie Canal while doing so on a safe and well-maintained trail. We're looking forward to showing off our city and locks to more neighbors and visitors on the trail."

Following the ribbon cutting, Hochul, McCaffrey and others went for a short ride down the path.

A grand opening for the Lockport Locks, including a first-ever Lock Tenders Tribute event will be held on May 20.

The Department of Justice today issued a statement today requiring 18 local First Niagara branches to be sold as terms of KeyCorp's acquisition of the company -- including the East Avenue branch.

The department said that the divestitures will ensure that the transaction does not harm competition for retail banking services in the Greater Buffalo area. As a result of the acquisition, KeyCorp will become the 13th largest bank in the nation, with about $135 billion in assets, $99.8 billion in deposits and more than 1000 branches across 15 states.

Under their agreement with the department, the companies have agreed to divest 13 branches in Erie County and 5 branches in Niagara County. The divested assets will include the commercial loans associated with the divested branches. The companies have also agreed to suspend existing, and not to enter into new, non-compete agreements with their small business and middle market relationship managers and their retail regional and branch managers, in the state of New York, for a period of 180 days following the consummation of their merger. Further, the companies have agreed to sell or lease branches closed within two years of the consummation of the merger in the state of New York to other depository institutions.

“Americans value the convenience of retail bank branches,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Renata Hesse of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s agreement will ensure that customers in Buffalo and other New York markets will continue to enjoy the benefits of competition among banks with retail branch networks.”

The proposed merger is subject to the final approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The department said that it will advise the Federal Reserve Board that it will not challenge the merger provided that: the parties divest the branch offices, associated loans and deposits and the entire customer relationships associated with the divestiture branches; the parties commit to the Federal Reserve Board that they will comply with the agreement with the department; and the parties’ commitments to the department are included as a condition to any order the Federal Reserve Board enters allowing the transaction.

Other Niagara County branches required to be sold include one in Lewiston, one in North Tonawanda and a pair in Niagara Falls.

Heritage Wind, LLC, a project of Apex Clean Energy, has launched a synchronized communications effort to stakeholders in and around Barre to discuss the feasibility of a potential wind energy project there.

Apex has been attempting to build a wind project in Somerset and Yates despite resistance from an organization opposed to the project.

Despite that resistance, Mark Goodwin, president and COO of Apex Clean Energy said the company has "talked to hundreds of local people who are interested in bringing more wind energy to (Orelans) county. Orleans County is blessed with a very strong wind resource, and we look forward to working with the people of Barre to bring the benefits of wind energy to their community as well.”

Apex is currently working through the Article 10 process on Lighthouse Wind. Article 10 is the current permitting process required by the state, and it requires that communities be given the opportunity to weigh in on several procedural items before an actual application for a wind project is prepared.

“Much like the old State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process, Article 10 requires us to work closely with local stakeholders to discuss the project, scope studies for the project, and review those results,” said Dan Fitzgerald, senior director of development for Apex. “Though we need to work within the new permitting framework, we will do everything we can to ensure that those who had the opportunity to comment under SEQRA will also have the opportunity to participate under Article 10. In addition to our work with the Town of Barre, we will also be working with the Town and Village of Albion, Orleans County, and many other stakeholders throughout project development.”

Over the next six months, Heritage Wind plans to submit its Public Involvement Plan, take part in hundreds of conversations within the community, and determine what specific studies will be needed to assess the appropriateness of a wind energy facility for the area.

The National Weather Service calls for increasing clouds with a high near 52. East wind 10 to 15 mph.Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. East wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday: A slight chance of showers after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Northeast wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. East wind around 6 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 40%.Sunday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Monday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 40%.Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 62.Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Wednesday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

A very, very short history: Tim Horton’s was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario, by Canadian hockey player Tim Horton and Jim Charade. In 1967, Horton partnered with investor Ron Joyce, who assumed control over operations after Horton died in 1974. Tim Horton’s franchises spread rapidly and eventually overtook McDonald's as Canada's largest food service operator. The company opened twice as many Canadian outlets as McDonald's. On August 26, 2014, Burger King agreed to purchase Tim Horton's for US$11.4 billion.

Timmy Ho’s (a local nickname) was offering 2 of their breakfast sandwiches for 4.00 so we decided to go for breakfast on Saturday. My wife got a donut and a hot chocolate. I ordered a medium English toffee cappuccino and 2 sausage sandwiches on an English muffins. They delivered 1 sausage and 1 bacon. OOPS. All told, with my senior discount, breakfast cost 6.96. Too bad they got my order wrong.

That being said, they get a 7.0 out of 10. Getting the order right is one of the things that can make or break a restaurant, franchise or not.

Burger King was founded in 1953 in Jacksonville, Florida, as Insta-Burger King. Inspired by the McDonald brothers. Original store location in San Bernardino, California, the founders and owners, Keith J. Kramer and his wife's uncle Matthew Burns, began searching for a concept. After purchasing the rights to two pieces of equipment called "Insta" machines, the two opened their first stores around a cooking device known as the Insta-Broiler. The Insta-Broiler oven proved so successful at cooking burgers, they required all of their franchises to carry the device. After the original company began to falter in 1954, it was purchased by its Miami, Florida, franchisees James McLamore and David R. Edgerton. The two initiated a corporate restructuring of the chain; the first step being to rename the company Burger King.

The duo ran the company as an independent entity for eight years, eventually expanding to over 250 locations in the United States, when they sold it to the Pillsbury Company in 1967. Burger King would eventually be merged with Canadian-based donut and coffee chain Tim Hortons in 2014. Every day, more than 11 million guests visit over 13,000 BURGER KING® restaurants near them in 97 countries around the world. The BURGER KING® restaurant in Lockport, NY serves burgers, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We went to Burger King for breakfast Sunday. We got 2 croissant breakfast sandwiches for the price of one. One with bacon and one with sausage for 3.19. I got a small coke for 1.59 and my wife got an OJ for 1.39. When I got to the table I saw they had put an order of hash browns on it. OOPS. Again a 7 out of 10 for getting the order wrong.

This is the second time in 2 days where we were given the wrong order at a fast food restaurant. I know what I think about fast food workers getting 15.00 per hour.

Norb Rug is a dedicated foodie He has had Mexican food in Mexico, Italian food in Italy, Greek food in Greece and ethnic food in several other countries.

The National Weather Service calls for showers and possibly a thunderstorm today with a high near 44. Northeast wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Light and variable wind.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 53. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Thursday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 39.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Sunday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 59. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Lockport-area gas prices are up two cents to $2.217 a gallon, according to AAA East Central’s weekly Fuel Gauge report. The average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline last week, based on reports from 22 stations in the Lockport area, is $2.202. This time last year, gasoline was $2.634 in Lockport. The national average is $2.136.

On the national front, relatively cheap gas prices are boosting driving demand, and 2016 remains poised to be a record year for both gasoline consumption and annual miles traveled. Although pump prices moved higher by two cents per gallon, today’s average price of $2.14 per gallon is the lowest for this calendar date since 2009.

As we enter the summer driving season all eyes will focus on whether refiners can keep pace with the expected increase in demand. Gasoline demand continues to surpass 2015 year-to-date levels, and as more drivers take to the roads, refiners will work to increase gasoline production to levels that meet this higher demand. This likely means another higher-than-normal year of refinery runs, which can put additional strain on refinery equipment and overall operations. In preparation for the busy summer driving season, a number of refineries are reportedly ramping up production and keeping a close eye on their utilization rates. Barring any unforeseen challenges in supply and refinery production, drivers are expected to pay some of the lowest prices for the summer months in more than a decade.

The global oil market is at a crossroads and it is a mystery as to where oil prices might head going forward. Market fundamentals continue to point to extreme oversupply, though expectations of global demand growth or production cuts by major oil producers could influence crude oil prices higher.

According to the U.S. EIA, domestic production declined for yet another week, and the U.S. oil rig count also fell for the fifth consecutive week. However, it is important to note that output is falling at a slow pace and is likely to bounce back to previous levels should prices rebound. As a result of this dynamic, the global oil market is expected to remain well supplied, keeping the price at the pump relatively low compared to previous years. At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate settled at a 2016 high and was up 55 cents at $43.73 per barrel.

ENP STAFF REPORTS news@eastniagarapost.com
The fire at Pizza Oven Monday night was caused by careless smoking, according to a report from the Lockport Fire Department.

The fire at the Vine Street pizzeria started around 7:35 p.m., according to the report. Firefighters were on scene four minutes later and had the fire extinguished by 8:08 p.m.

Fire officials say there was approximately $5,000 damage to the structure and an unknown amount of damage to the building's contents.

According to LFD, 26 fire department personnel responded, six of which were on duty already and 20 of whom were called in from home including two fire investigators and Fire Chief Pat Brady. A pair of trucks -- engines 7 and 8 -- were dispatched to the scene.

The LFD report says that when the department's first platoon arrived, it found smoke "comng from a front corner of the structure, with the employees having all safely evacuated the premises prior to the Fire Department’s arrival."

Firefighters found the fire in the front ground floor corner of the structure and immediately pulled some siding and exterior sheathing off of this area of the building to expose the area where the fire was burning. Firefighters then extinguished the fire with approximately 100 gallons of water. Crews than removed boxes and cartons located on the inside of this area of the structure to check for any further evidence of the fire extending to other parts of the building. With no other evidence of heat or flames found anywhere else inside the building the fire was declared out at 8:08 p.m.

"LFD fire investigators found the cause of the fire to be careless smoking in the area located immediately adjacent to the front corner of the structure where the fire started," the report says.

The Lockport Post Office is having a passport event on Saturday. (PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED BY USPS)

Because children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by both parents or guardians at the application process, Saturday passport acceptance is designed to make the task easier.

Similar events are also being held from 9 a.m. to noon at other Western New York Post Offices, including Akron, Orchard Park, Penfield, Victor, Beechwood, Clymer, Corning, Spencer (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.), and Wellsville.

Customers have the option of applying for a passport book, good for all international travel or the passport card, which is less expensive but good only for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda.

The cost for an adult passport book is $110 plus a $25 processing/acceptance fee; the adult passport card is $30 plus a $25 processing fee. Both are good for ten years. The cost for a minor’s passport book is $80 plus a $25 processing/acceptance fee; the minor passport card is $15 plus a $25 processing fee. Both are good for seven years. Customers wanting both the passport book and card are charged only one processing fee. Payments are accepted via cash, check. Credit cards are acceptable for processing and photo fees only.

Travelers are encouraged to apply for a passport several months before they are scheduled to travel overseas. A passport application is normally processed by the State Department within five to six weeks. However, for an additional fee, the State Department will expedite the application and process it within three business days, and for those who need speedy delivery, the U. S. Postal Service offers Express Mail next day delivery both to and from the State Department.

To apply for a passport, travelers need to complete Passport Application Form DS-11 (unsigned), provide proof of U. S. citizenship and proof of identity, submit two identical passport photos and pay the appropriate passport fees. Passport photo services are available for $15.

For more information about passport application requirements, visit the State Department’s travel website at travel.state.gov.

Born December 18, 1920 to the late William & Grace Hess, predeceased by her husband Theodore Donner whom she married in September 2,1946, her siblings Floyd Hess, Irving Hess, Carol Denning, Arlene Schawb, Marjorie Donner, Delores Maurer, her son Joseph Donner and daughter in law Gloria Donner.

A member of the mothers club, a square dancer, an avid reader and devoted catholic she is survived by her beloved family. Children William Donner, James Donner, Mark Donner, Kathy(Fred) Smith, Judy(John)Hill, siblings Bill Hess, Miriam(Anthony) Sindoni, brother in law Leonard Maurer along with eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Visitation to be held Wednesday April 27 at Ross Funeral Home Gaul Chapel, 263 East Ave, in Lockport from 2-4 & 7-9. Funeral Services to be held Thursday April 28 at St. John the Baptist at 10am with a graveside service and luncheon to follow.

ENP STAFF REPORTS news@eastniagarapost.com
Lockport Public Library will host guest lecturer Jack DiMaggio as part of the ongoing John and Dianne Koplas Memorial Lecture Series at 6:30 p.m. May 23 in the Wheeler Room on Floor 2.

DiMaggio, whose topic will be “Imprints Behind the Smile,” is a graduate of Lockport Senior High School and California State College, and taught art at the Lockport High School for 32 years. He is also a renowned artist, displaying his works at the gallery (Gallery DiMaggio) he and his wife, Kathleen, established here in Lockport. Jack is the father of three married sons and a grandfather of eight.

Since his retirement from teaching, DiMaggio remains an active part of the Lockport community. He continues to paint and draw and selectively takes private art students for consultation. He also judges local art shows and is often requested as an art consultant by individuals, businesses and galleries. In addition to serving on the Boards at the Kenan Center and the Market Street Art Center, he was a member of the Lock Side Art Gallery and continues a long commitment of volunteering for Lockport’s Meals on Wheels.

The family and friends of John and Dianne Koplas established this lecture series in cooperation with Lockport Public Library to honor the Koplas’ devotion to teaching and to celebrate their lifelong passion for learning.

For more information or to support this memorial, contact the library at 433-5935 or online at www.lockportlibrary.org.

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The fifth annual "I Love My Park Day" will be held May 7 at 110 parks and sites across New York State.

“I Love My Park Day is an opportunity to give back and ensure that others can continue to enjoy some of our state’s greatest open spaces," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. "I encourage all New Yorkers to sign up now and volunteer at a park or public land in their area.”

Sponsored jointly by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Parks & Trails New York, I Love My Park Day is a statewide event to improve and enhance New York’s parks and historic sites and bring visibility to the entire park system and its needs. This year, 110 parks and historic sites will participate, including 10 in Western New York: Allegany State Park, Artpark State Park, Evangola State Park, Golden Hill State Park, Knox Farm State Park, Midway State Park, Niagara Falls State Park, Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, Wilson-Tuscarora State Park, Whirlpool State Park.

“Volunteers are crucial to keeping state parks inviting and enjoyable to 65 million people who visit our park system each year – and I Love My Park Day is a great time to volunteer at a favorite place,” State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said. “We look forward to again welcoming thousands of volunteers on the first Saturday in May, all working together to enhance the parks we cherish.”

“New York State is a leader in parks and conservation because of a long history of stewardship and generosity of private citizens,” said Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin. “We can’t think of a better way to keep the celebration of Earth Day going and do our part by helping out at the parks we love on I Love My Park Day.”

Volunteers will celebrate New York’s public lands by cleaning up debris, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitat, removing invasive species, and working on various site improvement projects. The New York State Commission on Volunteer and Community Service is joining the effort again this year to help recruit volunteers, promote the initiative and provide support to projects across the state. Also contributing this year are members of the New York State Excelsior Conservation Corps (ECC). The New York State ECC is a New York State AmeriCorps program run by the Student Conservation Association, created under the vision of Governor Cuomo to address the environmental and stewardship needs of New York State while inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders through environmental education programing. ECC members will help State parks organize and implement I Love My Park Day projects.

TOWN OF LOCKPORT -- A Beattie Road woman told Niagara County Sheriff's deputies that she believed an unknown person loosened the lug nuts on the passenger side rear wheel of her vehicle on Tuesday.

According to the woman, she heard a noise in her driveway early Tuesday morning but did not see anything. When she left for work around 8 a.m., she felt a "bad shake" in her vehicle. She then noticed the caps on the lug nuts on her left rear wheels were missing and it appeared as though to two lug nuts were missing and the remaining three were loose.

The woman told patrol she checked the remaining three wheels and they appeared to be untouched. She purchased replacement lug nuts and put them on her vehicle.

She said she wasn't sure who may have loosened the lug nuts. Patrol considers this case closed due to a lack of suspect and lack of physical evidence.

The National Weather Service calls for mostly sunny skies today with a high near 60. East wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.Sunday Night: A chance of showers, mainly after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday: A chance of showers before 2pm, then a chance of showers after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. East wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.Monday Night: Showers. Low around 39. East wind 11 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday: Showers likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 54.Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 40%.Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

As a lifelong resident of New York State I know most New Yorkers hate being last at anything. I don’t know if there is a word for worse than last, but if there is, it would apply to New York State and its current national ranking for registered organ donors per capita.

New York State is worse than last because it also falls below Guam and Puerto Rico.

Nearly 11,000 residents statewide are waiting for lifesaving organs. Sadly, approximately 500 of them will die because the lifesaving organs they need will not arrive in time. It does not have to be this way. I know more New Yorkers would step up if they were aware of this dire need.

The fix, unlike many of the other issues that face our state, can be accomplished relatively quickly and with modest expense. Other states have made significant increases in their registries through a public awareness campaign that inspires residents to register.

The average state registration rate is around 47 percent with most successful states reaching nearly a 90 percent registration rate. New York’s registration rate is a dismal 26 percent.

Nationally the need has grown from approximately 113,000 in 2010, to nearly 124,000 in 2015. Twenty-two people die each day waiting for organs that just don’t come.

Annually, that is twice the number of people who died in the World Trade Center attacks.

Why don’t more New Yorkers know this?

Increased registration does save lives. In 2014 the Texas/Oklahoma region increased its organ donor registration by 19 percent which led to a 10 percent increase in transplants. New York State can do the same… and more.

I am a lucky man. I am a double organ transplant recipient, having received a kidney from a living donor, and a pancreas from a deceased donor. Without these gifts, I likely would have been one of the 22 people who die each day waiting for transplant.

New Yorkers have always found a way to help those in need, to meet the challenges placed before them. This is a cause worth fighting for; people are dying every day because too few people are aware of this urgent need.

One donor can provide up to eight people with life saving organs and greatly impact at least 50 others through tissue donation.

April is National Donate Life Month. Please register (RegisterMe.org/one8fifty) to become and organ donor and/or consider becoming a living donor. The need is real.

TOWN OF LOCKPORT -- A 28-year-old Buffalo woman was charged Wednesday with criminal possession of a hypodermic needle and promoting prisoner contraband in the Niagara County Jail.

According to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Kymber Ann Voelker, 189 14th St., Buffalo, was found with a hypodermic instrument in her pants by NCSO Corrections staff that while they were searching her.

Voelker was taken to Town of Lockport Court, where she was arraigned and sent back to jail with a $5,000 bail placed on her for the incident.

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Save Ontario Shores (SOS), the local organization opposed to industrial wind turbine project in Niagara and Orleans counties, is calling on New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to investigate what it calls "the questionable tactics of Apex Clean Energy."

Apex, a Virginia-based company, has proposed installation of an unspecified number of industrial wind turbines, standing about 620 feet hall.

SOS has taken issue with an Apex representative is says attempted to discredit the group at a March 7 meeting. At that meeting, an Apex consultant said that SOS is part of a larger national anti-wind effort that involves 23 groups, that SOS is comprised of “migratory people” who move from place to place to battle wind projects.

“The portion of Mr. Shuff’s presentation which focused on Save Ontario Shores was shocking and blatantly false,” said SOS president Pam Atwater.

In its letter to Attorney General Schneiderman, Atwater enumerated several statements made by Shuff that she called "false or misleading." She is asking the Attorney General to investigate Apex.

“There are growing concerns among local residents about the reckless tactics Apex is using in their attempts to sway public opinion, and their use of false and misleading information about this project and deceptive information regarding the dedicated New York State residents who are raising their voices against it.

“New York State has removed home rule from residents regarding the placement of large electrical generating projects and they face a host of barriers to voicing concerns,” Atwater said. “Additionally, they have almost no actual authority to approve or disapprove of the project. These residents should not have to endure rumors and falsehoods that assault their integrity and dedication to the well-being of their towns and indeed, to the State of New York.”

NIAGARA FALLS -- A new program at the Niagara USA Official Visitor Center invites local attractions, wineries, tour companies and restaurants to send a representative to speak directly with visitors about their products and services as they look to plan their itineraries in Niagara USA.

There is no cost to participate and those who do are provided table setup on the main floor of the Visitor Center with an opportunity to offer samples, sell admission tickets or souvenirs, conduct a small demonstration of their product or handout any other business collateral.

John Percy, President & CEO of the NTCC said, "Our Visitor Center saw record breaking numbers in 2015, as a result, we felt this program was the perfect opportunity to offer a more interactive experience to our visitors this 2016 season. Quite often, our Visitor Center is the first stop travelers make when entering Niagara USA. This immediate interaction allows our partners to be one of the initial touchpoints with our visitors.”

The response from hospitality partners from across Niagara County has been incredibly positive and there are only a select number of dates still available to participate. The program began the first week of April and for the rest of this month will take place on Fridays only.

Beginning in May and continuing through October, it will run Monday through Friday during regular Visitor Center hours. Anyone interested in participating can contact Tina Mt. Pleasant, Visitor Center Manager at 285-8600.